Page 47 of Duchess By Accident
“I am not.” He tilted his head. “Does that disappoint you?”
“It would have, a few days ago.” She replied honestly.
Adrian studied her face, and Natalie felt as though he were searching for something rather than reading her like a book. “And now?”
“There is less joy in irritating you.” She said simply.
She expected the duke to say something, to make a quip or a joke, but he did not. The clock struck four and Natalie jumped.
“I should go.” She stood up and moved towards the doors, a yawn escaping as she did. “I expect tomorrow will be a long day.”
“Probably.” The duke moved towards her, resting his hand on the door. “I am looking forward to it.”
“Me too.” Natalie admitted.
“Good night, Little thief.” He murmured.
“Good night, Sir Fox.” She whispered.
He closed the door, the scent of his cologne filling the space he had been.
Chapter Fourteen
“Arthur, Jonathan! You cannot simply hurl yourselves through someone else’s front door.” Rose Rokesby, the Duchess of Emberley shook her head as she followed her two sons through their front door.
Adrian had managed to side step the hurtling children, and placed a gentle hand on Melody’s shoulder. She was holding onto the leg of his trousers, peering at the boys with curiosity and apprehension.
“My apologies, Duke Blackwood. The boys can be a little rambunctious, especially after a long carriage ride.” The Duchess gave her sons an exasperated look.
“There are no apologies necessary, Duchess Emberley. Na- my wife told me to expect to be treated like family, and I would not have you stand on ceremony needlessly.”
“That is very kind, sir.” The Duchess caught sight of Melody peering out from behind Adrian’s legs and knelt down. “And you must be Lady Melody. It is a pleasure to meet you.”
Melody glanced at Adrian and then back at the Duchess. He gave her a nod of encouragement and she took a step towards the woman.
“It is nice to meet you too.” Melody said.
“Would you like to shake hands? Or would you prefer a hug? Or we can simply nod to one another?” The Duchess smiled at Melody and Adrian felt his shoulders relax just a little. “It is whatever you would like.”
“Perhaps we can shake hands? Though Nanny tells me it is not what young ladies do.” Melody bit her lip.
“Then it is lucky that I am a Duchess. Not a young lady.” The Duchess held out her hand. “I am Rose Rokesby, Duchess of Emberley. And you may call me Aunt Rose if you wish.”
Melody nodded and shook Duchess Emberley’s hand. By this point, the Duke and Lord Peter had arrived, with a small girl in tow and Natalie chatting animatedly to her brother.
“Good to see you, Blackwood.” Emberly inclined his head towards Adrian. “I see my sons have wasted no time in getting into trouble.”
“I did warn him.” Natalie said from behind her older brother.
“I will get them.” Lord Peter said, and Adrian noticed a sombreness to him that had not been there the last time they met. His eyes had dark circles beneath them. “It is good to see you again, Duke Blackwood.”
“And you.” Adrian replied, watching as the young man moved towards the two small boys who were at that moment climbing on the banisters.
“I am Daphne.” The small dark-haired girl said nodding to Melody. “I turned seven yesterday.”
“My name is Melody.” His daughter replied. “I turned eight in May.”
“May is longer away than yesterday.” Daphne pointed out in a tone that suggested to Adrian that she thought Melody was missing an important point.
